Instacart+ Benefits in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
In 2025, Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express) remains a premium subscription designed to enhance the grocery delivery experience for frequent users. Priced at $99 annually or $9.99 monthly, it offers perks like waived delivery fees on qualifying orders, bundled entertainment subscriptions, and family sharing—potentially saving members $7 or more per order. However, updates this year, including the retirement of reduced service fees effective March 1, 2025, have shifted its value proposition. Drawing from official sources and recent discussions, this guide breaks down the benefits, costs, changes, and whether it’s worth it for customers (and any indirect perks for shoppers). If you’re eyeing convenience amid rising costs, Instacart+ could pay for itself with just a couple of monthly orders.
As of September 2025, Instacart processes billions in transactions quarterly, with membership income growing steadily. Partnerships with credit cards like Chase and Mastercard have expanded access, offering free trials and credits through 2027. Let’s unpack the details.
What Is Instacart+?
Instacart+ is a paid membership that unlocks enhanced features on the Instacart platform, which connects users to over 1,500 retailers for same-day delivery or pickup. It’s geared toward customers who order regularly—think busy families or remote workers—providing cost savings and extras like streaming perks. Unlike free accounts, it waives certain fees and adds value through integrations. For context, non-members pay full delivery fees starting at $3.99, plus service fees of 5-10%. In 2025, the focus is on $0 delivery for lower minimums ($10+ for most orders), down from $35 previously, making it ideal for smaller hauls.
Key Benefits for Customers
The core appeal lies in convenience and savings. Here’s a breakdown based on official 2025 details:
- $0 Delivery Fees on Qualifying Orders: No delivery charges on grocery and retail orders over $10, Costco orders over $35, and eligible restaurant orders over $25 (powered by Uber Eats). This saves $3.99-$7.99 per order compared to non-members. Service fees (5-10%) still apply, but it’s a net win for frequent shoppers—averaging $7 saved per order.
- Bundled Subscriptions: Annual members get a free 1-year New York Times Cooking subscription ($50 value) for recipes and meal ideas, integrable with Instacart for shoppable lists. All members access Peacock Premium (ad-supported streaming with movies, TV, sports; $79.99-$109.99 value annually).
- Family Sharing: Add family members to share carts, benefits, and perks—up to 3 people in 2025 updates. Great for households splitting orders or coordinating shopping.
- Members-Only Savings and Features: Access exclusive deals, priority support, and integrations like linking retailer loyalty accounts (e.g., Costco, Wegmans) for seamless perks. SNAP/EBT users in programs like Fresh Funds get free Instacart+ for months, plus credits. X users highlight time savings: “Order your groceries… saves an extra 1-2 hours a week.”
- Pickup Credits (Retired in 2025): Previously 5% back on pickups, but this ended earlier in the year—check your account for legacy perks.
Compared to non-members, Instacart+ eliminates delivery hurdles for small orders, adding entertainment value that could offset the cost for streamers or cooks.
| Benefit | Non-Member | Instacart+ |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Fees | $3.99+ (waived on first order) | $0 on $10+ grocery/retail, $35+ Costco, $25+ restaurants |
| Service Fees | 5-10% | Same (no reductions since 3/1/25) |
| Subscriptions | None | Peacock Premium + NYT Cooking (annual) |
| Family Sharing | Limited | Up to 3 people |
| Minimum for Free Delivery | N/A | $10+ (lowered in 2025) |
| Estimated Savings | Pay per order | $7/order avg.; pays for itself 2x/month |
Data from Instacart’s site and user reports.
Pricing and Plans
- Annual: $99/year—best value, includes NYT Cooking.
- Monthly: $9.99/month—flexible for testing.
- Trials: Free 14-day trial; auto-renews. Many credit cards offer extended free periods (3-12 months).
No price hikes noted for 2025 but watch for inflation adjustments.
2025 Changes and Updates
Instacart evolved the program this year to focus on core perks:
- Retired Reduced Service Fees: Effective March 1, 2025, members no longer get discounted service fees (previously up to 5% off).
- Retired 5% Pickup Credit: Ended immediately in early 2025 communications.
- Lowered Delivery Minimum: From $35 to $10 for free delivery, boosting appeal for quick orders.
- Expanded Sharing: Up to 3 family members (from 1-2 previously).
- Added Restaurant Integration: $0 delivery on $25+ Uber Eats orders.
These shifts emphasize delivery savings over fee reductions, per Reddit clarifications. Programs like SNAP deals with Uber Eats/Instacart add benefits for low-income users.
Credit Card and Partner Perks
A major 2025 boon: Widespread partnerships make Instacart+ free or discounted.
- Chase Cards: Most co-branded cards (e.g., Sapphire, United, Southwest) offer 3-12 months free Instacart+, plus $10-20 monthly credits through December 2027. Activate via app—could yield $240-480/year in value.
- Mastercard: New benefits for credit/debit cards, including credits or trials—details vary by issuer.
- Other Partners: Costco executive members get Instacart credits; Fresh Funds offers free 4-month memberships with $80 monthly credits for eligible participants.
Stack these for near-free access—e.g., Chase users report maximizing $20/month on groceries.
Benefits for Shoppers?
Instacart+ is customer-focused, but it indirectly boosts shopper earnings by increasing order volume (members order more due to free delivery). Shoppers don’t get direct perks from +, but high-rated ones (e.g., Platinum Cart after 100 orders) unlock separate benefits like Backup Care for childcare. X shoppers note more tips from + users, but no formal ties.
Is Instacart+ Worth It in 2025?
Yes, if you order 2+ times/month—savings on delivery alone cover the fee, plus entertainment perks add $130-160 value. With card partnerships, it’s often free. Skip if you’re infrequent or prefer in-person (as one X user argued for community benefits). For SNAP users or cardholders, it’s a no-brainer. Pro tip: Trial it and stack credits for max value.
What’s your take on Instacart+? Share below!
